Baku: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing energy cooperation, economic partnerships, and cultural diplomacy.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Aliyev welcomed President Siljanovska-Davkova in Baku, highlighting Azerbaijan’s expanding role as a strategic energy partner for Europe. “Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to 12 countries, 10 of which are European nations. Last year, we supplied 25 billion cubic meters of gas to foreign markets, and we stand ready to expand these supplies,” Aliyev stated. He further mentioned the Declaration on Strategic Partnership in Energy signed between Azerbaijan and the EU in Baku three years ago as evidence of Azerbaijan’s significant role in ensuring Europe’s energy security. He also noted the recent start of gas supplies to North Macedonia as a key development in their bilateral cooperation.
Siljanovska-Davkova praised Azerbaijan’s contributions to the global energy market and expressed North Macedonia’s willingness to deepen cooperation. “Azerbaijan is not only a crucial player in geopolitics but is also becoming an increasingly attractive partner in natural gas and renewable energy, which small countries like ours need,” she remarked. She advocated for the removal of visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders as a step toward strengthening bilateral relations, stating, “I think this situation does not reflect well on either North Macedonia or Azerbaijan. Ending this requirement will foster closer ties between our peoples.”
The North Macedonian president expressed optimism about further cooperation in trade, education, and tourism, describing Azerbaijan as an appealing destination. She also suggested a formal strategic cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan, noting that similar agreements have been made with other regional countries. Siljanovska-Davkova’s visit marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and North Macedonia.